Inauguration of Students’ Bank at M.A.K. Azad Urdu School
An agreement (MoU) between Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and HCL Foundation for various initiatives under the NMC’s education department was signed on Thursday (Sept 4). Since 2019, several educational development programs have been jointly implemented with HCL Foundation. To bring better coordination in these projects, the new agreement has been signed for the next two years.
The MoU was signed by NMC Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Abhijeet Chaudhari and Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Global Head & Director of HCL Foundation. On this occasion, NMC Additional Commissioner Mrs. Vaishnavi B., HCL Foundation Associate Director Mrs. Simi Suri, Assistant General Manager Mr. Prijo Tharu, HCL Manager Mr. Piyush Wankhede and NMC nodal officer Mr. Vinay Bagle were prominently present.
As part of this MoU, several initiatives are being run: a Quality Enhancement Program for students of Std. 10th and a Mobile Computer Laboratory in association with Masoom organization; renovation of school toilets and sanitation awareness through NIWCD; environmental education through Kitchen Gardens with the help of Aaroh organization; sports development through Slum Soccer; and financial literacy and planning for children from an early age in collaboration with Meljol NGO.
Commissioner Dr. Abhijeet Chaudhari expressed that such initiatives will play a crucial role in the holistic development of students studying in NMC schools.
Inauguration of Aflatoun Resource Centre at M.A.K. Azad Urdu School
Earlier in the day, an Aflatoun Resource Centre* was inaugurated at M.A.K. Azad Urdu School under HCL Foundation’s CSR initiative, implemented through Meljol NGO. The centre was inaugurated at the hands of NMC Additional Commissioner Mrs. Vaishnavi B. Dr. Nidhi Pundhir (HCL Foundation), Meljol CEO Mrs. Pankaja Kshirsagar, Assistant Education Officer Mr. Subhash Upase, School Principal Mrs. Siddiqui Kamar Afroz, Nodal Officer Mr. Vinay Bagle, HCL Manager Mr. Piyush Wankhede, along with students and teachers were present in large numbers.
The centre enables students to operate their own ‘Students’ Bank’ , structured just like a real bank, where selected students are given responsibilities to manage its operations.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Vaishnavi B. said, “HCL Foundation, through CSR, has been implementing commendable initiatives across municipal schools which benefit both students and teachers. At M.A.K. Azad Urdu School, children will now not only learn the importance of saving money but also gain financial literacy skills through the Aflatoun Resource Centre. This will help develop their abilities and prepare them to become confident, responsible citizens in society.”
Dr. Nidhi Pundhir of HCL Foundation stated, “The Foundation has been actively working in the fields of education, health, and community development. NMC has always supported the HCL Foundation in executing impactful initiatives. With the newly launched Aflatoun Resource Centre, students are learning the value of savings and resource management. Many children have already benefited from this initiative.”
Student Ms. Amina also shared her experience of how setting up a Students’ Bank in school has helped her learn about savings and financial awareness.
The program was conducted by Mrs. Swati Joshi, while the vote of thanks was proposed by HCL Manager Mr. Piyush Wankhede
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